BerserkerDay 12 Master Thread/FAQ

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#151 Post by **bweber** » January 13th, 2021, 10:08 am

I just joined the forum and the Grand Cru Cru level simultaneously. I'm excited to experience Berserker Day and get a listing of all participants on 1/26.

#152 Post by **Max S.** » January 13th, 2021, 10:11 am

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 9:36 am
Max S. wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 8:42 am Good lord that's a lot of points.
And you, as a GCC member, gets the extra bonus...you saw that link, right?

I did, but I'm in the middle of a refi so no go on signing up this year I'm afraid.

#153 Post by **Rodrigo B** » January 13th, 2021, 10:29 am

PatrickW wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 10:03 am My 1st Berserker Day & I'm getting really excited!!....I checked out some previous BD offers & the advice in this thread. I also made sure to get the day off work. Any other advice for a newbie?

Consider becoming a Grand Cru Cru. Having early access to preview day alone is worth it, and that's not even to get into the other benefits of GCC that you get

January 13th, 2021, 12:32 pm

bweber wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 10:08 am I just joined the forum and the Grand Cru Cru level simultaneously. I'm excited to experience Berserker Day and get a listing of all participants on 1/26.

I like you already! Welcome and enjoy the madness.

#155 Post by **Nate Simon** » January 13th, 2021, 5:47 pm

I use the occasion as an excuse to open wines from past B-Day participants in the couple of weeks leading up to it.
Sandler Grenache on deck tonight!

#156 Post by **Albert R** » January 13th, 2021, 7:12 pm

Nate Simon wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 5:47 pm I use the occasion as an excuse to open wines from past B-Day participants in the couple of weeks leading up to it.
Sandler Grenache on deck tonight!

Same here. 2015 Campesino tonight! A case purchase. We love this wine.

January 13th, 2021, 7:13 pm

For anyone not yet applied, the Deal that GrandReserve Mastercard is offering for BeserkerDay is pretty darn good. Designed for those who love wine.... they are offering 75000 points (+10000 extra for GCC members), waived first years fees, 2 Grassel Glasses, and to make it even better 6x to 8xs Points per dollar on purchases during BerserkerDays (& Both Flannery Beef and Grassl Glass are GR partners) Just Got my card... already racked up Aubert, Myriad (a GR partner) & Saxum on it!! Get on it now if you want the card by the 26th!!

January 13th, 2021, 7:39 pm

Nate Simon wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 5:47 pm I use the occasion as an excuse to open wines from past B-Day participants in the couple of weeks leading up to it.
Sandler Grenache on deck tonight!

Crushed a 2013 Ladd Abigail PN tonight.

Superb wine.

January 13th, 2021, 7:44 pm

brigcampbell wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 7:39 pm
Nate Simon wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 5:47 pm I use the occasion as an excuse to open wines from past B-Day participants in the couple of weeks leading up to it.
Sandler Grenache on deck tonight!
Crushed a 2013 Ladd Abigail PN tonight.

Superb wine.

2017 JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon - gorgeous lighter-bodied cab, dusty tannins, still quite young, black currant and a savory quality I really love. Fantastic cabernet for food, which is a real treat for me...will definitely wait on the other! I see this fleshing out like crazy in a couple years

#160 Post by **Chadly S** » January 13th, 2021, 10:03 pm

brigcampbell wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 7:39 pm
Nate Simon wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 5:47 pm I use the occasion as an excuse to open wines from past B-Day participants in the couple of weeks leading up to it.
Sandler Grenache on deck tonight!
Crushed a 2013 Ladd Abigail PN tonight.

Superb wine.

I second this!! We opened the same Ladd during the Cleveland Browns playoff win. Outstanding wine and guaranteed another purchase come BD. Actually I’m a little surprised that Ladd doesn’t get more attention on the board. The wines are all fantastic.

#161 Post by **Stephen P** » January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am

Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.

January 14th, 2021, 10:46 am

Stephen P wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.

I thought Enfield's Waterhorse Ridge was stellar. My favorite Cab pretty much ever.

#163 Post by **Max S.** » January 14th, 2021, 11:02 am

Is Black Cat considered big? I don't have a lot of experience with cab, so it's definitely a lot bigger than most of what we're drinking. We loved it.

January 14th, 2021, 11:05 am

Adam Frisch wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:46 am
Stephen P wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.
I thought Enfield's Waterhorse Ridge was stellar. My favorite Cab pretty much ever.

Was Enfield on BerserkerDay??

#165 Post by **Max S.** » January 14th, 2021, 11:39 am

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 11:05 am
Adam Frisch wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:46 am
Stephen P wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.
I thought Enfield's Waterhorse Ridge was stellar. My favorite Cab pretty much ever.
Was Enfield on BerserkerDay??

Not from what I've seen, but they could be...

January 14th, 2021, 12:56 pm

bweber wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 10:08 am I just joined the forum and the Grand Cru Cru level simultaneously. I'm excited to experience Berserker Day and get a listing of all participants on 1/26.

Brian (and others),

You will not only get a preview of the offers, you can buy them as well. Some of the offers (e.g. Kelley Fox, etc.) sell out on the 26th.

Plan accordingly!

January 14th, 2021, 1:36 pm

Dave McIsaac wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 12:56 pm
bweber wrote: ↑January 13th, 2021, 10:08 am I just joined the forum and the Grand Cru Cru level simultaneously. I'm excited to experience Berserker Day and get a listing of all participants on 1/26.
Brian (and others),

You will not only get a preview of the offers, you can buy them as well. Some of the offers (e.g. Kelley Fox, etc.) sell out on the 26th.

Plan accordingly!

Brian,

Dave is a 2-time BerserkerDay champion. You need to listen to him.

#168 Post by **Chadly S** » January 14th, 2021, 2:17 pm

Stephen P wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.

I opened a Salt+Vine cab from last BD and it is a Mike Smith wine. I would say that is pretty close to a "big" cab, but definitely not in a bad way. The wine is spectacular.

#169 Post by **Adam Frisch** » January 14th, 2021, 3:28 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 11:05 am

Was Enfield on BerserkerDay??

Sorry, didn't see that qualifier. But he should well damn be!

January 14th, 2021, 3:47 pm

Adam Frisch wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 3:28 pm
Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 11:05 am

Was Enfield on BerserkerDay??
Sorry, didn't see that qualifier. But he should well damn be!

I sent him a PM, we’ll see

#171 Post by **J. Rock** » January 14th, 2021, 7:47 pm

Chadly S wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 2:17 pm
Stephen P wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.
I opened a Salt+Vine cab from last BD and it is a Mike Smith wine. I would say that is pretty close to a "big" cab, but definitely not in a bad way. The wine is spectacular.

I'm hoping to see more like this, but we shall see.

#172 Post by **c fu** » January 14th, 2021, 10:02 pm

J. Rock wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 7:47 pm
Chadly S wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 2:17 pm
Stephen P wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:43 am Anyone want to chime in with suggestions (based on prior year participating vendors) of classic "big" cabs? After going down a bunch of different roads (zins, natural wine, funky stuff, old world, etc.,), it's what we tend to want to open most often these days.
I opened a Salt+Vine cab from last BD and it is a Mike Smith wine. I would say that is pretty close to a "big" cab, but definitely not in a bad way. The wine is spectacular.
I'm hoping to see more like this, but we shall see.

Maybe maybe ^_^

HMechbal · #173 Post by **HMechbal** » January 15th, 2021, 6:15 am

I'll be following the new BerserkerDay calmly from Europe who said enviously as well . Sounds exciting as always, at least I won't exceed my budget

#174 Post by **Joe Chanley** » January 15th, 2021, 6:38 am

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 3:47 pm
Adam Frisch wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 3:28 pm
Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 11:05 am

Was Enfield on BerserkerDay??
Sorry, didn't see that qualifier. But he should well damn be!
I sent him a PM, we’ll see

that would be great, and bad for my card

January 15th, 2021, 12:02 pm

HMechbal wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 6:15 am I'll be following the new BerserkerDay calmly from Europe who said enviously as well . Sounds exciting as always, at least I won't exceed my budget

Buy all you want. You can ship them to my house in Texas.

January 15th, 2021, 12:14 pm

Michael O'Brien wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 12:02 pm
HMechbal wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 6:15 am I'll be following the new BerserkerDay calmly from Europe who said enviously as well . Sounds exciting as always, at least I won't exceed my budget
Buy all you want. You can ship them to my house in Texas.

Or some of us have our winery in Europe...

HMechbal · #177 Post by **HMechbal** » January 15th, 2021, 1:36 pm

Nola Palomar wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 12:14 pm
HMechbal wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 6:15 am I'll be following the new BerserkerDay calmly from Europe who said enviously as well . Sounds exciting as always, at least I won't exceed my budget
Or some of us have our winery in Europe...

Time to prepare a budget and ignore it completely in 12 days

#178 Post by **Max S.** » January 15th, 2021, 2:21 pm

HMechbal wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 1:36 pm
Nola Palomar wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 12:14 pm
HMechbal wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 6:15 am I'll be following the new BerserkerDay calmly from Europe who said enviously as well . Sounds exciting as always, at least I won't exceed my budget
Or some of us have our winery in Europe...
Time to prepare a budget and ignore it completely in 12 days

I already have the excuses for going over-budget covered:

"No, these steaks are for a special occasion, I'm just buying them early!"
"You know we've talked about getting some better olive oil for a while now..."
"But I only went 20% over budget, it could have been WAY worse. I love you!"

#179 Post by **M.Sysak** » January 15th, 2021, 2:24 pm

Excuse: " I saved a lot of money, everything was on sale"

January 15th, 2021, 2:25 pm

M.Sysak wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:24 pm Excuse: " I saved a lot of money, everything was on sale"

the more you buy...the more you save!

#181 Post by **M.Sysak** » January 15th, 2021, 2:29 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:25 pm
M.Sysak wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:24 pm Excuse: " I saved a lot of money, everything was on sale"
the more you buy...the more you save!

That excuse has been used on me for years........time to even the score

#182 Post by **Rodrigo B** » January 15th, 2021, 2:30 pm

Max S. wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:21 pm "But I only went 20% over budget, it could have been WAY worse. I love you!"

I think you forgot a zero there

#183 Post by **Max S.** » January 15th, 2021, 2:32 pm

Rodrigo B wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:30 pm
Max S. wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:21 pm "But I only went 20% over budget, it could have been WAY worse. I love you!"
I think you forgot a zero there

There are just some things I can't get away with...

#184 Post by **Nate Simon** » January 16th, 2021, 11:43 am

Rodrigo B wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:30 pm
Max S. wrote: ↑January 15th, 2021, 2:21 pm "But I only went 20% over budget, it could have been WAY worse. I love you!"
I think you forgot a zero there

LOL any spousal “agreement” on B-Day must have at least a 50% variance clause.

January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm

So my wife keeps bugging me for more screwtops. Anyone know offhand of good beserkerday wines with screw top? Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello.

Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!

Vince L. · #186 Post by **Vince L.** » January 16th, 2021, 1:38 pm

Loring i believe does screwtops and participates in BD in the past

#187 Post by **Rodrigo B** » January 16th, 2021, 1:40 pm

Some older bottlings of Biggio Hamina are under screwtop

January 16th, 2021, 1:55 pm

Aaron P o t t s wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm So my wife keeps bugging me for more screwtops. Anyone know offhand of good beserkerday wines with screw top? Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello. Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!

Tercero

January 16th, 2021, 1:55 pm

Aaron P o t t s wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm So my wife keeps bugging me for more screwtops. Anyone know offhand of good beserkerday wines with screw top? Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello. Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!

Tercero.

#190 Post by **EAScrog** » January 16th, 2021, 2:26 pm

D@vid Bu3ker wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:55 pm
Aaron P o t t s wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm So my wife keeps bugging me for more screwtops. Anyone know offhand of good beserkerday wines with screw top? Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello. Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!
Tercero

And the Tercero screwtops are easy to open, unlike some others.

January 16th, 2021, 3:43 pm

And the wines are great under those screwtops.

#192 Post by **Paul Miller** » January 16th, 2021, 3:53 pm

Siun o'Connell wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 3:43 pm And the wines are great under those screwtops.

This. Screwtop, AND top notch wines.

January 16th, 2021, 7:06 pm

Sounds like Tercero is the winner. Will check them out. Thanks.

Pat K · #194 Post by **Pat K** » January 17th, 2021, 5:21 pm

If Scherrer offers on BD, some of their wines are screwcap. Dry Rose' of Syrah is solid. Enjoyed 1 bottle of the 2017, another remains.

January 17th, 2021, 8:54 pm

c fu wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:02 pm
J. Rock wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 7:47 pm
Chadly S wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 2:17 pm

I opened a Salt+Vine cab from last BD and it is a Mike Smith wine. I would say that is pretty close to a "big" cab, but definitely not in a bad way. The wine is spectacular.
I'm hoping to see more like this, but we shall see.
Maybe maybe ^_^

Dear lord, please let this happen.

January 17th, 2021, 8:55 pm

Aaron P o t t s wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello. Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!

Ouchie. Do you have room to add a small rack for "quick bottle" wines?

#197 Post by **Anthony C** » January 18th, 2021, 5:48 am

Patrick T a y l o r wrote: ↑January 17th, 2021, 8:55 pm
Aaron P o t t s wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello. Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!
Ouchie. Do you have room to add a small rack for "quick bottle" wines?

Quick-bottles are in the dining room. Agers are in the cellar. Opening up a Monte-Bello early is expressly forbidden in our prenup

(like I had money for MB or lawyers when I got married)

January 18th, 2021, 8:00 am

Anthony C wrote: ↑January 18th, 2021, 5:48 am
Patrick T a y l o r wrote: ↑January 17th, 2021, 8:55 pm
Aaron P o t t s wrote: ↑January 16th, 2021, 1:18 pm Last time she needed a quick bottle, she opened a ridge montebello. Open to any red varietal really. Thanks!
Ouchie. Do you have room to add a small rack for "quick bottle" wines?
Quick-bottles are in the dining room. Agers are in the cellar. Opening up a Monte-Bello early is expressly forbidden in our prenup (like I had money for MB or lawyers when I got married)

there was a thread over on the cellartracker forum that was basically "my significant other/friend/I just opened..." where people posted stories where they told someone "just grab a bottle" and they grabbed a unicorn and ripped it open. I'm especially fond of the "I needed a wine for cooking so I opened this, hope it's okay to cook with". LOL

#199 Post by **Rodrigo B** » January 18th, 2021, 8:24 am

brigcampbell wrote: ↑January 18th, 2021, 8:00 am
Anthony C wrote: ↑January 18th, 2021, 5:48 am
Patrick T a y l o r wrote: ↑January 17th, 2021, 8:55 pm

Ouchie. Do you have room to add a small rack for "quick bottle" wines?
Quick-bottles are in the dining room. Agers are in the cellar. Opening up a Monte-Bello early is expressly forbidden in our prenup (like I had money for MB or lawyers when I got married)
there was a thread over on the cellartracker forum that was basically "my significant other/friend/I just opened..." where people posted stories where they told someone "just grab a bottle" and they grabbed a unicorn and ripped it open. I'm especially fond of the "I needed a wine for cooking so I opened this, hope it's okay to cook with". LOL

I'm partial to this one from a fellow Berserker
viewtopic.php?p=3123838#p3123838

#200 Post by **Pat P** » January 18th, 2021, 2:17 pm

Todd F r e n c h wrote: ↑January 5th, 2021, 1:07 pm
I will be sending out a 'prepare for it!' Private Message 10 days before, and then a separate launch PM for GCC members on Preview Day, then another forum-wide PM on BerserkerDay. You'll notice the number of people on the site goes through the freakin' roof that day.

Todd, did the 'prepare for it' PM go out yet?